SF Opera ARIA Network
The San Francisco Opera’s ARIA (Arts Resources in Action) program offers an in-depth study that connects multiple artistic and creative elements with classroom curricula. The program provides an in-school partnership between participating classroom teachers and an Opera teaching artist. The students learn about opera as an art form, a study that culminates in the writing, composing, production and performance of their own, original mini-opera. This multi-dimensional learning experience brings professional composers and Opera scene shop artists to collaborate with the students, teachers and the teaching artist in their mini-opera productions.
Through the program, students enjoy in-school opera performances by the SF Opera Adler Fellows and ensembles such as the SF Boys and Girls Choruses, as well as opportunities to attend dress rehearsals of opera productions at the War Memorial Opera House.
North Star Project, Grades 6-8
Students in 6th-8th grades can elect to participate in the North Star Project, a performing arts program led by Marcus Shelby. The North Star Project is conducted in a “workshop” format, with students creating the content and driving the production. The workshops results in a collaborative variety show; written, directed, produced and performed entirely by the students. The show features the students’ ideas presented in music, spoken word, visual arts, drama and dance.
African American Shakespeare Company – Grades 6-8
Rooftop’s Middle School students participate in the African American Shakespeare Company’s “Shake It Up!” education program, which is designed to teach the works of Shakespeare in a way that speaks to today’s youth. Through a series of in-school drama workshops led by the Company’s Director (and Rooftop Alumni!) Sherri Young, students’ language Arts Learning is enhanced. The program helps to build the literacy skills necessary to approach complex reading materials with confidence. The program culminates with a field trip to the Buriel Clay Theatre in the African American Art & Culture Complex for performances by the Company.
SF Arts Education Dance Residency, Grades K-5
Each spring, Rooftop welcomes teaching artists from the San Francisco Arts Education Project (SF Arts Ed) for an 8-week dance residency. Students in grades K-5 enjoy weekly dance lessons that explore the use of the body and its movement as a means of communication and connection to others.
International Festival
The International Festival is Rooftop’s favorite springtime tradition, celebrating the diversity of our school community. The all-day affair begins with a feast of foods from around the world, prepared and donated by our parent community. After the feast, the entire school enjoys a performing arts showcase with many student performances. Each year features special headlining professional performers from the Bay Area. Past years’ performances include Abada Capoeira, jazz vocalist Kenny Washington, and singer/percussionist Linda Tillery.